Brisk

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jstark47 · #1 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:51 am

Rode to work for the first time in 3 weeks. 35 degrees F when I got here, the ride was ................ invigorating.

Didn't see any other bikes though. Anybody else out there north of the 40th parallel and still commuting by bike?

intotherain · Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:52 am

I rode through the winter in Madison WI. It's something like the 44th N.

I haven't gone riding in that cold weather for a while but I do remember my toes, legs, and clutch hand numbing up...

It got so cold I couldn't feel the clutch in my left hand or the shifter on my left foot.

Man I do love this 65 F sunny weather though.

dakals · #3 Unread post by **dakals** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:02 am

I still see people out on the bikes everyday. It sucks having to put them away for the winter. I hate being cold though so i shouldn't have too much trouble putting mine away that is when i get one. But i will probably think differently when i have one. I'm from Beloit,WI and everyday it is getting colder and colder. I wish i could hibernate every winter.

Brackstone · Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:37 am

I still commute to work everyday on my bike.

I only don't ride if it's raining and/or if there is a possibility that ice will be on the road do to a temperature drop + some kind of moisture.

jstark47 · #5 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:49 am

Brackstone- whereabouts in Jersey are you? I'm down in Burlington county, but I work in the Princeton area. There are can a significant climate change between my home and work - something I have to be careful of on days near freezing. It can be OK at home, and icy up in Princeton.

Brackstone · Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:58 am

Stark I'm up in Northern New Jersey in Morris County/Essex County.

Yes sometimes when I go to work in the morning it's 55-65 and when I return at night it's 35-45.

The roads I take are typically backroads so unless it's been raining I don't have to worry about the guy who spilled his Mocha Latte on the road an hour ago from turning into my Dunkin Doughnuts Demise.

This is also coupled with the fact that the sun sets at 5:00 *sigh*. If I get out at 5:00 it's best but I usually get out around 6:00 or so and that extra hour of no sun really makes the cold even colder.

NorthernPete · Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:09 am

meh, the snow kinda put the kibosh on that....

Lion_Lady · Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:28 am

Unfortunately, since I've got to leave home at 3:15 AM for my 30 minute commute (I stock a grocery store), I don't ride as often as folks who keep more 'normal' hours. Its just TOO cold, and sometimes damp.

Half the ride is winding two lane road thru woods, so I've got to be mindful of both 'forest rats' (deer), and wet leaves.

P

JC Viper · #9 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:52 pm

The temps here in NY can go pretty low. As long as the ground is dry I will ride all year round and same goes for many riders in the NYC area (Some still ride with half helmets). People think that just because they're cold in those designer jackets all jackets are the same. Ever since I started riding I found out that motorcycle jackets tend to retain a lot of heat and are better towards wind resistance.

I guess I get annoyed at the "You're crazy" comments just because the temps are 20 degrees F. Too bad they feel it's too cold in their garbage Nautica coat.

Snow riding will become an option if I ever get the Ural Gear-Up or Piaggio MP3.

Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:58 pm

I wonder how well the Piaggio would do in the snow. The front wheels would def be an advantage is handling but would that rear wheel hook up? ( I have no idea I live in GA and it hasn't snowed here in years. not enough anyway) That would be awesome of it were front wheel drive.